2012 Olympics: Opening Ceremonies

A look at the eye-popping opening ceremonies of the 2012 Summer Olympics in London.

Frank Gunn / The Canadian Press

Fireworks illuminate the stadium after the lighting of the Olympic flame at the 2012 Olympic Games opening ceremonies in London on Friday.

Tribune Media MCT

Seven young athletes hold their torches as they light the Olympic flame during the opening ceremony for the 2012 Olympic Games in London on Friday.

Sean Kilpatrick / The Canadian Press

Triathlete Simon Whitfield carries the flag for Team Canada as they enter the stadium during the opening ceremonies for the 2012 Olympic Games in London on Friday.

James McCauley / The Associated Press

Duran Duran perform at the Olympic Opening Ceremony Celebration Concert in Hyde Park, London, Friday, July 27, 2012. The concert is part of a series of events being organized by the Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, to celebrate the London 2012 Olympic Games.

Spectators play with giant smiley face beach balls during the pre-show for the Olympic Games Opening ceremonies in London on Friday July 27, 2012.

Ben Curtis / The Associated Press

The Red Arrows aerobatic team flies over the Olympic Stadium ahead of the Opening Ceremony of the 2012 Summer Olympics, Friday, July 27, 2012, in London.

Lee Jin-man / The Associated Press

Sheeting is extended across the audience during the Opening Ceremony at the 2012 Summer Olympics, Friday, July 27, 2012, in London.

Jae C. Hong / The Associated Press

British cyclist Bradley Wiggins rings the Olympic Bell during the Opening Ceremony at the 2012 Summer Olympics, Friday, July 27, 2012, in London.

Charlie Riedel / The Associated Press

Performers make a circle during the Opening Ceremony at the 2012 Summer Olympics, Friday, July 27, 2012, in London.

Frank Gunn / THE CANADIAN PRESS

A pastoral farm scene is enacted during the pre-show for the Olympic Games Opening ceremonies in London on Friday July 27, 2012.

Jae C. Hong / The Associated Press

The Olympic rings are illuminated with pyrotechnics as they are raised above the stadium during the Opening Ceremony at the 2012 Summer Olympics, Friday, July 27, 2012, in London.

David J. Phillip / The Associated Press

Performers gather during the Opening Ceremony at the 2012 Summer Olympics, Friday, July 27, 2012, in London.

Tyler Anderson / Postmedia News

The opening ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games is held at the Olympic Stadium in London England, July 27, 2012.

Charlie Riedel / The Associated Press

A performer scales a representation of a smoke stack during the Opening Ceremony at the 2012 Summer Olympics, Friday, July 27, 2012, in London.

Matt Dunham / The Associated Press

Britain's Queen Elizabeth II, centre, the President of the International Olympic Committee Jacques Rogge, left, and Britain's Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams, right, watch the Opening Ceremony at the 2012 Summer Olympics, Friday, July 27, 2012, in London.

Tyler Anderson / Postmedia News

Actors and dancers play Great Ormond Street Children's Hospital staff and patients during the opening ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games is held at the Olympic Stadium in London England, July 27, 2012.

Sean Kilpatrick / THE CANADIAN PRESS

Performers pay tribute to the Beatles Sgt Pepper album during the opening ceremonies for the 2012 Summer Olympics Friday, July 27, 2012 in London.

Matt Dunham / The Associated Press

Actor Rowan Atkinson performs during the Opening Ceremony at the 2012 Summer Olympics, Friday, July 27, 2012, in London.

Tyler Anderson / Postmedia News

Simon Whitfield of Canada marches during the opening ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games is held at the Olympic Stadium in London England, July 27, 2012.

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